Accidentally put wrong address on tax return
Updated on April 23, 2025
Reviewed By
Aya Takriti, an IRS Enrolled Agent with 11 years of expat tax experience, specializes in US tax preparation, tax planning and tax advice for US citizens and Green Card holders living and working in the Middle East. *Schedule a consultation with Aya today.
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Table of Contents
How do I correct an address mistake on my US tax return in the UK?
The first step is to reach out to the IRS and inform them of the mistake. The best way to do this is by calling their address correction department at 1-800-829-1040. If you’re calling from overseas you can also try +1 267 941 1000.
This is important before making any formal amendments. But don’t stress, addressing errors on tax returns are a common issue for American expats, and the solution is relatively simple.
Will an incorrect address lead to IRS rejection?
Having the wrong address on your tax return usually won’t necessarily be rejected. If the IRS confirms that no other errors were made that could impact your tax liability, they will typically still process your return.
However, not updating your address can create complications, such as missing important IRS notices or delays in receiving your refund check. That’s why it’s important to correct it as soon as possible.
What are the steps to fix my US tax return?
To fix an incorrect address, you must file an amended tax return using Form 1040X. Then you can submit it the way you originally filed your return. For form 1040X, here’s what you’ll need:
- Any other forms or schedules affected by the change.
- A copy of your original tax return.
- Your updated address and any supporting documentation.
- Details of any additional modifications, if applicable.
The amendment process is similar to filing a standard Form 1040. Once you submit the corrected form, you must wait for the IRS to process it and notify you of any updates.
Can I put my UK address on my US tax return?
Yes, you can generally replace your US address with your current UK address when filing your US tax return. But it is important to retain a US bank account for making tax payments and receiving refunds, replacing this with a foreign account is not allowed.
How can I effectively review my US tax return for mistakes?
If you suspect errors in your tax return, follow these steps:
- Carefully review your original return to check for other possible mistakes.
- Gather any necessary documentation to cross-check for important information.
- Consult a tax professional to check for mistakes that you possibly missed out on.
For how long can I correct the error on my tax return?
The IRS can grant up to three years for you to correct your mistake from the original filing date. Beyond that, you can also request additional time by filing Form 4868 if an extension is necessary.
Correcting an address error on a tax return can take a few months, and sometimes, extensions are necessary and available.
Wrong address on your tax return? Contact us now.
What are the consequences of providing the wrong address?
A simple mistake, like an incorrect address, usually does not result in penalties. However, if additional taxes are owed, an incorrect address may impact how you receive notices from the IRS.
On top of that, you might neglect your tax obligations simply because you weren’t informed of it which could result in hefty penalties and fees.
Fortunately, it shouldn’t affect your tax obligations in the UK but you still need to ensure that information from your UK return should match your US return.
Can I track the progress of the amendment?
Yes, to ensure the correction is processed effectively, you can use the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool on the IRS website. If you prefer another method of communication, you can also call the IRS directly at 1-866-464-2050 to get an update and track your progress.
Keep in mind that the timeline can take up to 3 weeks for the IRS to acknowledge receipt of your amended return and up to 16 weeks for it to be fully processed and corrected.
How do I prevent address errors in future tax filings?
It’s better to practice preventative steps in order to avoid these mistakes in the future. You can consider the following best practices:
- Organize important documents: Keep track of forms, foreign bank statements, and other tax-related records.
- Double-check all information: Before submitting your return, review all details, including your name, Social Security number, and address.
- File electronically: You can use a tax software to reduce errors by providing automatic calculations and verification tools.
Can I update my address before filing my US tax return?
Definitely. It’s wise to inform the IRS in advance by filing Form 8822 or “Change of Address.” This ensures that all IRS correspondence, including refund checks, is sent to your correct address.
Processing Form 8822 typically takes 4-6 weeks, so submitting it early can help prevent mailing issues.
Is there a difference between Form 8822 and Form 1040X?
Yes, many people mistaken these forms but Form 1040X is used to amend already filed tax returns, including errors related to income, deductions, and addresses.
Form 8822 specifically aims to notify the IRS of an address change and ensure future correspondence is directed to the correct location.
